Saturday, December 24, 2016

12 December 23, 2016

December began for us on the 3rd. That is the day
we met Fun For Less tours at the SLC airport to begin our trip to Ecuador. We
met up with the Nebekers whom we have planned this trip for over two years.

From SLC to Atlanta, Georgia then on to Quito, Ecuador, it
was a very pleasant trip. Upon arrival we were transported to the JW Marriott
hotel in Northern Quito. We rested up
and then began our excursions of the city of Quito. How delightful!

Our next move was to fly Avianca airlines to Balltra
Galapagos. The security at the airport was remarkable in preventing any flora
or fauna from accessing the islands. We were then tendered to the island of
Santa Cruz by ferry.

Our bus ride to Port Auorya
on the other side of the island. We stopped at the Darwin Research
Center to see the giant tortoises. The
day ended with a water taxi to Finch Bay resort where we were housed in a
beautiful room with a bay view.

The next three days we spent aboard the Queen Kerry and
transported to Northern Seymore, Bartolome, and Plaza islands where we hiked, snorkeled
and photographed the birds, reptiles and water fish. Three glorious days and wonderful
meals, but most of all we enjoyed seeing firsthand the flora and fauna of the
Galapagos as Darwin described it.

Our flight back to Quito was short and we were well cared
for as we stayed at the JW Marriott two days before flying to Cocoa, Ecuador to
float the Napo River.

Our stay in the Amazon basin was incredible aboard the
Anaconda cruise ship. The guides, Avil and Juanito were exceptional. We
photographed the wildlife of the jungle, hiked the trails in the jungle, swam
in the lake at Dolphin Lodge, climbed the observation tour at Anana. We visited
the native villages, went on night hikes and ate incredible food. I even at a
palm heart grub (2), it tasted creamy.

After two glorious weeks we were back in the states and
waiting for the Mariners to arrive from Arizona. We picked up the Mariner kids
in Farmington and drove home after being gone for over a month.

We met Brian and his kids in Idaho Falls. Upon our arrival
we were pleased with the finished tiling of the kitchen counters. Brian spent a
week putting granite tile on our kitchen counter. It is beautiful.

The Mariners will be here Christmas eve to be with their
children. Brian is taking his family to SLC to fly the kids home for Christmas.

Christmas in Idaho is "The Real Thing" with snow and family close by.

The last day of December we will be hosting the Sieger
family for four days. They are enrolling their son into school at BYU Idaho.

Thursday, December 22, 2016

The eleventh month and it seems like spring. Upon arrival in
Idaho, Dawn and I thought for sure we would be facing winter shortly. However,
only a few days of November have been remotely cold.

Dawn and Christine Taow (her sister) left for Texas on the 3rd
of Texas to attend the wedding of David Hodgson, her nephew.

While they were gone I drove to Layton, Utah to attend the
baptism of Boe Steven Russell, my grandson. I arrived on Friday night, the 4th
of November. Where would you like to go to dinner, was the question. The family
agreed to eat at Golden Corral. Along with the Russells I included Tyson, their
neighbor boy, to come with us. The feast was on . Saturday morning Boe was
baptized by his brother, Tate Russell. Then I confirmed him a member of the
church. Josh, the father spoke at the baptism and compared it to going to
school to learn how to behave as a member of the church. Selfless service was
the key feature of his remarks.

After the baptism there was an amazing gathering of family
and friends at the Russell’s home. The Atkins were invited to the baptism. They
are a family close to Josh’s family. Becca, Truman, Fisher, Edith and baby
Benjamin came to the baptism and luncheon. Eric the dad came later. This is a
remarkable family with great love for each other. They are not members of the
church.

Now for the depth and breadth of what we are faced with in
moving from 556 East 13th to 815 Linden Dr. in Idaho, WORK, WORK,
AND MORE WORK! Dawn and I have been so busy painting and cleaning the new
residence along with boxing and sorting and cleaning our old residence getting
it ready for sale. There are so many things we have done to both places. On the
9th of November the Manly Movers came and we loaded up a 26’ UHaul
to the max and emptied the contents into our condominium. Whew! What a job it
was.

We have one more week before we leave for Imperial Beach to
be with our family for Thanksgiving. Julia, Dawn and I are meeting up with Josh
and his family to drive to Las Vegas then on to Yuma, AZ and finally to
Imperial Beach, Ca where we meet up with Ben, Sage, Wayne, Robyn, Indy, Kesler,
Jon, Holly, Ella and Brock for 3 days of fun. More to come!